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Exploring Love and Life, One Word At A Time.™

The Tree of Life Synagogue Tragedy

It’s with a heavy heart that I write this blog post, but I know that I must. I’m sorry if this post comes at an inconvenient time, but I need to send this out in case one of you would like to show your support for the Jewish community this Saturday morning.

One of my personal goals is to seek and experience as much positivity in this life as possible, and well, I have to admit that sometimes it’s easier said than done. This week is no exception.

I had debated whether or not to discuss the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shootings at the Tree of Life synagogue, because I’m just so tired of hearing about people being killed for absolutely no reason at all. But I realized that this isn’t about me; it’s not even about the shootings.

This is a time for all people of Faith, people of integrity and respect regardless of religious beliefs, to stand together in solidarity and support the hurting Jewish community.

Show Up for Shabbat

I realized that by my hesitance to discuss yet another tragedy on my blog, it inadvertently was putting my small but strong voice in a place of complacency. I am not okay with that. And so I use this platform to remind myself that while I’m writing about #NovemberGratitude, I am grateful to those in this world who are committed to showing each other how much we need each other right now – and how simply showing up means the world.

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) is spearheading the effort using the #ShowUpForShabbat social media campaign. It is to both show solidarity for the 11 victims killed at the Tree of Life synagogue, but also to signal that the Jewish community will not live in fear.

#ShowUpforShabbat services take place this Friday evening, and also on Saturday morning. Read more about this nation-wide effort, and know that you can also show your support and solidarity by attending a Shabbat service on Saturday morning – online: Central Synagogue Live Streaming.

My heart goes out to all of the families, friends, and communities affected by this hate crime, and at some point, may the media spend more time focusing on the beautiful lives stolen from us than on the heinous being who murdered them. Until then, let us all stand together and strive for Love and Light in these very dark times.

– Atina Atwood is a southern girl who moved from Europe to the West Coast. A former university professor in Germany and California, Atina stepped away from Academia to focus on her miracle child, life, love, food, quilting, and of course, Romance. Follow her on Twitter,Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more.